Game Day Party Table | Italian Pasta Bar, Buffet Style

It’s game time and as many of you know I love to entertain. Any reason to gather friends and family and put together a party table makes me smile..big time.

For this years Game Day Party table I decided on a pasta bar. It’s something a little different and unique for a football game, but a simple idea to execute without a lot of fuss.
My little two little secrets for creating this easy-to-put-together table
– mini tasting serving dishes and pre-packaged gourmet food –
thanks to some help from World Market.

World Market is one of my favorite places for unique home decor and furniture but they are also a haven for putting together parties and entertaining.

I kept the decor for the table neutral however touches of your favorite team’s colors can easily be added in through the flowers, ribbon, napkins and other decor.

I usually steer away from buying disposable party products as much as possible – especially products specifically design around a theme. Instead I use simple items that can be re-purposed like the real football and silver party tub used as the centerpiece here.

Same goes for the table coverings – a large piece of patterned wool fabric picked up on discount
was used for this table.

Two inexpensive store bought bouquets were cut down, re-arranged
and placed in glass candle holders for more decor.

This would be a great way to add your team colors to the table.

I love the ambiance of candle light and these glass hurricanes are so versatile – I actually use them more than I would like to admit … nearly every tablescape I have ever put together!

This time I filled them with green paper crinkle, found in the gift section at World Market, and tucked in a white three wick candle. Cut vinyl was added to the side – I used Go Team but you could really elaborate on your teams theme with different sayings or mascot designs.

I enjoy being a part of the party just as much as my guests do
and try not to spending the entire party running around in the kitchen.

Preparing semi-homemade recipes ahead of time,
using crock pots, and serving the food buffet style
cuts down on my need to tend to the party table as the party is going on.

This party table was composed of two parts – fix it yourself pasta options and
other Italian style goodies served in mini tasting dishes.
The mini tasting dishes are perfect for an intense football game
where your guests just want grab and go.
I pick up small serving pieces any time I can find them to build my collection.
I don’t just limit my choices to pieces specifically labeled serveware –
anything small and petite works – think cups, shot glasses, platters and saucers.
To make the collection a little more versatile I try to stick with white or clear glass pieces –
that way I can use them for everything and still have a uniform look.

The Market classic cheese tortellini soup mix is created exclusively for World Market. It is a delicious blend of Parmesan cheese-filled tortellini and spices. It is a snap to prepare, requiring just water and tomato sauce – everything else needed for this hearty soup comes right in the packet.

Wow Stephanie! It all looks so wonderful. Even though you say it’s simple how in the world do you get it all on the table fresh and warm and still look good for the party. With food it seems like so much is last min and I just haven’t learned how to pull all that off yet. This is a party I would love to attend!

Looks amazing, as always, Stephanie! I wanted to ask if you have a problem with pasta sticking when it sits out after being cooked. I noticed you did that with pasta and then had everyone add the sauces heated in crockpots. If I tried that, my pasta would be globbed together like glue and the sauce wouldn’t bind to the pasta. Maybe you have never had that trouble? – Karen

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